Secondary health conditions and disability among people with spinal cord injury: A prospective cohort study

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2021 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2019.1581392 · Published: January 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Participation Disability

Simple Explanation

People with spinal cord injuries often develop additional health issues. These are called secondary health conditions, and they can impact their long-term well-being. This study looked at how specific health conditions that appear soon after a spinal cord injury relate to a person's level of disability over time. The findings suggest that preventing or managing certain health issues early on could help reduce long-term disability for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Study Duration

30 months

Participants

91 people with spinal cord injury

Evidence Level

Prospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
Several secondary health conditions like constipation, urinary tract infections, and headaches at 6 months post-SCI were associated with significantly higher levels of disability at each subsequent follow-up.
2
Back pain, and pain below the SCI, at 6 months were associated with significantly greater disability at 18 months.
3
Difficulty coughing at 6 months was associated with significantly greater disability at 30 months.

Research Summary

This study investigated the relationship between secondary health conditions (SHCs) developing early after spinal cord injury (SCI) and long-term disability. The most prevalent SHCs were leg spasms, constipation, back pain, pain below the level of SCI, and shoulder pain. Specific SHCs experienced early after SCI are related to greater long-term disability, suggesting early prevention of these SHCs could reduce the disability burden.

Practical Implications

Early Identification and Treatment

Early identification and treatment of back pain, pain below the SCI level, difficulty coughing, constipation, UTI, and headaches are important to minimize disability in the first 2.5 years post-SCI.

Targeted Interventions

Shortness of breath, urinary incontinence, and shoulder pain should be addressed in the first 6 months post-SCI due to their direct relationship with disability.

Enhanced Follow-Up Care

Regular follow-up care provided by multidisciplinary SCI specialists following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation units could improve SHC management and reduce long-term disability.

Study Limitations

1
Small sample size reducing statistical power.
2
Sample restricted to individuals aged 16–65 years, affecting generalizability.
3
SHC measure did not include an exhaustive list of SHCs, such as pressure sores.

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